Key Godhra conspirator arrested after 14 years

Ahmedabad, May 18:

The Gujarat Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) on Wednesday arrested one of the key conspirators of the 2002 Godhra train burning incident that left 59 people dead.

Farouk alias Bhana, who allegedly carried kerosene with him to torch the S6 coach of the Sabarmati Express train near the Godhra railway station, was picked up from Kaalol town, around 25 km from Godhra city.

He also faces the charge of provoking a mob to attack and burn the train.

Farouk had been on the run ever since the train burning incident 14 years ago sparked off Hindu-Muslim riots. Ninety-four others have been arrested so far in the case, ATS officials said.

Investigating officials said Farouk, a former municipal corporator of Godhra municipality, was one of the key planners of the attack.

The 59 people who died in the attack were mostly Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists returning from Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh.

He would be interrogated about his whereabouts all these years, ATS officials told reporters at Kaalol. (IANS)